Ikeja Traders Accuse Local Government of Harassment and Extortion
Business owners in Ikeja, Lagos State, have accused enforcement officers from the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat of harassment and extortion. The traders claim that the officers, from the environmental unit, have been locking up their shops for alleged violations of local sanitation laws.
The alleged offenses include constructing on road setbacks and public drainages. While denying any wrongdoing, the traders described the practice as an annual ritual by the enforcement officers. They allege that after locking up their shops, the officers demand payments before allowing them to reopen.
One trader, Mr. Tunji, recounted his experience with the officers. He explained that despite pleading with them and explaining that he had not violated any laws, the officers insisted on him visiting their office. Another trader, who preferred anonymity, described a similar encounter where his shop was locked without any explanation.
A third trader, Kingsley, claimed that he was asked to make a payment at the local government secretariat after his shop was locked. However, he received no receipt for the payment.
A local resident corroborated the traders’ claims, stating that while some traders may have violated the laws, the enforcement officers often act unfairly. The council chairman, Mojeed Balogun, could not be reached for comment.
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